prominent until 4f out, weakened 2f out
close up, ridden and kept on same pace for final 2f
slowly into stride, keen towards rear, ridden and steady progress from over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, went 2nd near finish
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
keen, always prominent, led 4f out, ran on strongly final furlong, readily
always towards rear
led until 4f out, with winner, ridden over 2f out, not pace of winner entering final furlong, lost 2nd near finish
chased leaders until outpaced 3f out
There's not a great deal to choose between a number of these on last season's form but we're happy to side with Gaspar Van Wittel ahead of Speedy Dollar and Latin Lad. The selection impressed with his turn of foot on more than one occasion last term and fully justified his connections' decision to step him up into Group company with a 7 length third to Raven's Pass in the Solario Stakes. He followed that with a decent run in a valuable sales race but the 6 furlong trip looked to be woefully inadequate and he can be seen to better effect at a mile and beyond this season. Speedy Dollar was unfancied but shaped well on debut and duly left that form behind when getting the better of a decent yardstick in Tiger Dream on his second start. He has an entry in the Guineas and market support should probably be heeded. Latin Lad has the highest official rating and hails from a yard in rude health; it's impossible to knock the form of his three runs last season but we're slightly put off by the fact that his sire, Hernando, is such a strong influence for stamina. Some promising colts go to post but the selection could turn into the flagship horse for his rookie trainer and Gaspar Van Wittel should go close.
Eastern Gift 6-4fav (8-12) Led, quickened 2f out, edged left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 6, 2l behind Amazing Star (9-0) at Lingfield 7f 2yo stk (3) pol in Nov.
Fool's Wildcat (USA) 11-1 (8-12) Led 2f, remained prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 6l behind River Proud (8-12) at Newmarket 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gd in Oct.
Gaspar Van Wittel (USA) 8-1 (9-1) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, soon hung right, stayed on towards finish, 6th of 28, 2 1/2l behind Exclamation (8-13) at Newmarket 6f 2yo aut (2) gd in Oct.
Geezers Colours 10-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, pulled hard, ridden and every chance from over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 1l behind Sharp Nephew (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 3yo lst stk (1) pol.
Il Warrd (IRE) 11-2 (9-0) Raced wide in 4th, ridden to challenge 3f out, wandered under pressure and weakened inside final 2f, 6th of 7, 16l behind Rio de La Plata (9-0) at Goodwood 7f 2yo Grp 2 (1) gd in Aug.
Last of The Line 16-1 (9-4) Mid-division, headway on inner over 1f out, ridden to chase winner inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Canary Islands (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp (5) pol in Mar.
Latin Lad 9-4fav (9-2) Tracked leader, ridden to challenge 2f out, led inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Siberian Tiger (9-2) at Pontefract 1m 2yo lst stk (1) gd in Oct.
Speedy Dollar (USA) 9-1 (9-0) Took keen hold behind leaders, ridden 2f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, kept on gamely, won at Doncaster 7f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Oct beating Tiger Dream (9-0) by a nk, 14 ran.
